Let’s enjoy the Summer by Shinagawa Kumin matsuri

Summer is matsuri (festival) season in Japan! 13 districts across Shinagawa City hold local festivals, called kumin matsuri, through July and August. Stalls at these festivals sell food items (yaki-soba noodles,“Wata-ame”cotton candy,etc.) and offer games, and there is a stage for performances. Each district holds a variety of events particular to itself.(Events are different from each district.)
The addition of participatory Bon Odori dancing adds another fun element. Shinagawa created its own song,
“Shinagawa Ondo,” in 1978 specifically for this purpose. When this song begins, festival-goers begin dancing around a small raised stage called a yagura, with the ring of dancers expanding as more people join in.
Kumin matsuri are planned and managed with the cooperation of town associations and neighborhood associations in 13 districts across Shinagawa City. These associations are organized independently and can be attended by anyone. Kumin matsuri play an important role in deepening community ties, since creating a safe and livable community requires communication among neighbors.
Why not forget about the summer heat by joining one of these festivals, browsing the food stalls and trying your hand at Bon Odori?

What is Bon Odori ?

Japan has a long history of festivals that reflect the characteristics of various regional cultures. Since the Edo Period, such festivals have served as a source of entertainment for the masses and Bon Odori in particular has become a representative and well-loved festival of summer.
In Bon Odori, people dance around the yagura (central stage), moving one step forward together with the music. On the yagura are dancers who show how to dance the Bon Odori so that even beginners can enjoy themselves.
The dance steps and the music differ by location. In recent year, local areas have made their own Bon Odori songs, like the “Shinagawa Ondo,”and they have played a part in revitalizing their communities.

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